By Girma Mirgisa The 24th edition of the Great Ethiopian Run International 10-Kilometer Road Race took place in Addis Ababa yesterday. Ethiopia’s President, Taye Atske Selassie, Addis Ababa City Mayor, Adenach Abiebie, legendary athlete and founder of the Great Ethiopian Run, Haile Gebrselassie, and Kenyan marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich were among the distinguished guests and personalities that attended the event. The Great Ethiopian Run is more than just a race; it is a vibrant celebration of movement, spirit, and heritage, where the pulse of thousands of runners beats in harmony with the rhythm of Ethiopia’s storied past. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Addis Ababa, the highland capital, this iconic 10-Kilometer race founded by the legendary Haile Gebrselassie in 2001 has blossomed into a beacon of athletic tourism, drawing participants from around the globe, and a powerful force in shaping Ethiopia’s global athletic identity. It has also played a pivotal role in image building, both for Ethiopia as a country and for the global perception of its sport heritages. Beyond the competition, it is a living tribute to the country's legacy of endurance, resilience, and unmatched sporting excellence. This year’s Sofi Malt Great Ethiopian Run International provides a special opportunity to showcase Ethiopia as the ‘Land of Origins’ and a nation renowned for its legendary athletes. It was nothing short of spectacular, marking a milestone event that combined world-class athleticism, cultural celebration, and global unity. This year’s race held extra significance as it celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Lucy's Discovery, a pivotal moment in human history that connects Ethiopia’s rich heritage with the modern world. As the largest race in Africa, this iconic event attracted an impressive 50,000 participants including from across the globe, converging in the heart of Addis Ababa to run through the vibrant streets of the Ethiopian capital. As the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery took center stage, so too did the achievements of Ethiopia’s athletes, both past and present. The race showcased the country’s potential not only as a global hub for athletics but as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of runners. The Great Ethiopian Run serves as a platform for fostering young talent, promoting fitness, and reinforcing Ethiopia’s place as a leader in the world of long-distance running. Unforgettable Memories For many, the race was more than just a test of endurance; it was an opportunity to create lasting memories. The streets of Addis Ababa, with its outstanding renovations carried out through the ongoing corridor development provided participants with their blend of history, culture, and natural beauty of the city. Spectators lined the course, waving flags, playing traditional Ethiopian music, and offering encouragement to participants, creating an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. Alongside the race itself, the Great Ethiopian Run 2024 featured cultural exhibitions, performances, and events that showcased Ethiopia's diverse traditions. From traditional dances to local cuisine, the celebrations allowed participants and visitors alike to immerse themselves in Ethiopia’s rich heritage and learn about the country’s deep-rooted connection to the world of sports. Athletic Tourism: Running Toward a New Horizon In the world of athletics, Ethiopia is a giant, a land that has birthed legends whose names echo through the annals of running history: Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, Tirunesh Dibaba, among others. These are not just athletes—they are symbols of human perseverance and grace, and they embody a deep, innate connection to the land. The Great Ethiopian Run, a gathering of both local and international runners, is a living tribute to this connection. For many, participating in the race is a pilgrimage, an opportunity to lace up shoes on the same soil that has nurtured the world’s most celebrated distance runners. Athletic tourism, a growing and vital sector, draws travelers to Ethiopia not just for the race, but for the chance to run alongside champions and witness firsthand the culture that has cultivated them. Runners from all over the world come to Addis Ababa, seeking to experience the magic of Ethiopia’s highlands—where the thin air and breathtaking landscapes forge champions. But beyond the race itself, the journey is one of discovery. For tourists, the event is a window into a world where athletics is not merely a sport, but a way of life. Visitors immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture, tasting the flavors of traditional coffee, hearing the melodies of folk music, and feeling the warmth of a people whose joy in running extends beyond competition to become a celebration of life itself. In General, as it continues to attract runners from around the globe, the Great Ethiopian Run propels athletic tourism to new heights and solidifies Ethiopia's reputation as a cradle of athletic excellence. Through this annual race, Ethiopia tells a story of resilience, unity, and strength a story that the world is eager to hear, witness, and join. The race is more than an event it is a journey, a celebration, and a statement to the world that Ethiopia’s heart beats in every stride, every breath, and every step forward.      

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, known as the "political capital of Africa," is positioned to enhance its standing as a premier destination for conference tourism. As the headquarters of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the city has long been a focal point for international diplomacy. Now, with new developments in tourist infrastructure and culturally rich attractions, Addis Ababa is prepared to host even more international conferences, summits, and meetings, bolstering both its tourism sector and the national economy.   Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Vision for Ethiopia's Tourism Landscape Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visionary tourism initiatives, including projects like Sheger Park, Friendship Park, Unity Park, and Alala Kella, reflect a bold commitment to reimagining Ethiopia as a premier destination on the global stage. These attractions, each uniquely designed to showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, aim to create accessible, vibrant spaces for both locals and visitors. Sheger Park and Friendship Park blend modern infrastructure with Ethiopian traditions, offering serene urban escapes in the heart of Addis Ababa. Unity Park, located at the Grand Palace, stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s history and unity, while the number of natural lodges developed across the country over the past few years inspire a sense of pride and resilience. Through these projects, Abiy envisions a transformed Ethiopia that celebrates its legacy while paving the way for sustainable tourism and economic growth. Addressing the parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted transformative government projects that are reshaping the tourism ecosystem, including the tourism development initiative and strategic corridor developments. These ambitious efforts have established a thriving environment for the growth of tourism, particularly conference tourism. “We are now in a position to reap the benefits of the efforts and projects we have previously undertaken,” he noted, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustaining this momentum. The Prime Minister also emphasized Ethiopia’s impressive record of hosting international events, with 20 major conferences held over the past three months alone—a significant increase from previous years. This surge reflects the success of ongoing tourism development projects and reinforces Addis Ababa’s appeal to continental and global audiences. Additionally, he unveiled plans to expand Ethiopian Airlines’ services, with a new mega airport and an order for 124 new aircraft, enhancing the nation’s connectivity and capacity to host global events.   Transformative Tourist Sites as Catalysts for Growth The Ethiopian government has introduced several key tourist sites that enhance Addis Ababa’s appeal to international visitors. The new Addis Ababa Science Museum is a hub for innovation and education, featuring interactive exhibits and modern design that attract a diverse audience, from scientists to students. This site adds depth to the city’s cultural offerings, making it a unique stop for conference attendees. The Adwa Victory Museum, commemorating Ethiopia’s historic victory at the Battle of Adwa, stands as a symbol of resilience and independence. It enriches the experience for visitors interested in Ethiopia’s heritage, offering conference-goers an opportunity to engage with the country’s history and gain insight into one of Africa’s defining historical moments. The city’s urban corridor developments and eco-friendly lodges create inviting green spaces that promote eco-tourism and provide serene settings for conference attendees. These projects not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Addis Ababa but also contribute to its sustainability and offer conference-goers a place to relax and rejuvenate after their professional engagements.   Leveraging Addis Ababa's Status as Africa’s Diplomatic Hub Addis Ababa’s established role as the headquarters for the AU and UNECA solidifies its position as a central location for high-profile international conferences and diplomatic gatherings. This prominent status naturally draws leaders, diplomats, and professionals from across the globe, all of whom are likely to be drawn to the city’s expanding array of modern venues and rich cultural sites. By providing conference-goers with diverse experiences—from state-of-the-art meeting facilities to historical landmarks—Addis Ababa becomes more than just a place for business; it is a culturally immersive destination. On his official Facebook page, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized the importance of tourism in Ethiopia’s economic growth, noting that the nation’s new tourist sites and improved infrastructure have set the stage for a flourishing conference tourism industry. He highlighted Ethiopia’s unique combination of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and modern conference facilities as a strong asset for attracting global events to the country. Ethiopia’s Appeal as a Tourist Destination Ethiopia offers a wealth of attractions, from the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the breathtaking landscapes of the Simien Mountains, making it a compelling destination for travelers. Many of these sites are within reach of Addis Ababa, enabling conference attendees to extend their stays and explore Ethiopia’s natural and cultural riches. As conference tourism continues to grow, Addis Ababa’s infrastructure—fortified by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s initiatives—presents a compelling case for international organizations to consider Ethiopia as a prime location for their events. By nurturing this sector, Ethiopia not only strengthens its economy but also enhances its role as a global crossroads of culture, diplomacy, and innovation. With the government’s commitment to expanding tourism and aviation, Addis Ababa is on track to become a thriving conference hub that will bring lasting cultural and economic benefits to Ethiopia.